February 24, 2008 - 3rd Sunday in Lent
Self Nurture
Scripture: John 4:5-29 NRSV
So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.)
The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.)
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."
The woman said to him, "Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?"
Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again,
but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life."
The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water."
Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come back."
The woman answered him, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You are right in saying, 'I have no husband'; for you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true!"
The woman said to him, "Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem."
Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us."
Jesus said to her, "I am he, the one who is speaking to you."
Just then his disciples came. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, but no one said, "What do you want?" or, "Why are you speaking with her?"
Then the woman left her water jar and went back to the city. She said to the people,
"Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?"
THE HEART OF THE MATER
A woman called her friend to ask how she was feeling. “Terrible,” the other woman replied. “My head’s splitting, the house is a mess, and I can’t wait for the kids to be in school. And it’s too hot.”
“Listen,” said the caller, “go lie down. I’ll come right over to straighten the house and watch the children until your headache goes away. By the way, how is Sam?”
“Sam?” the hurting housewife asked. “Who in the world is Sam?” “Your husband,” came the answer. “But my husband is Bart, not Sam.”
The woman who called gasped and stated, “I’m sorry, I must have dialed the wrong number.”
After a long pause, with a note of sadness and despair, the desperate other woman asked, “Does that mean that you aren’t coming over?” (P. 103 Devotions to Leave You Smiling.)
Jesus came over – from Israel to Samaria – and met a woman and gave her the conversation of her life.
Jesus knows where we are spiritually. There is no escape from his penetrating stare. It was said that the great preacher Charles Finney had an unbelievable gaze. People tried to hide from his look, but they could not. I suspect Jesus was the same way.
Jesus gazed upon several barriers present in this lady’s life – the barriers of race, gender and status for starters. Jews did not associate with Samaritans. They were believed to be traitors, a belief that went back hundreds of years when the Assyrian Empire invaded the Northern part of Israel – including Samaria. It was thought that the Samaritans collaborated with the enemy. In addition, Jewish rabbis did not talk to women in public - much less a woman who was alone – something that a self-respecting woman would not do in the middle of the day at a well where many men would typically be present. Last, the woman also had the social stigma of being divorced – not once but five times. Beyond that, she was living with a man that was not her husband. Her status in her religious world was shaky at best. And, she widens the divide when she brings up a difference in doctrine. Samaritans believed in a different location as the center of their worship.
Jesus breaks down these barriers by offering the living water. Everyone needs the living water. It was an offer that the Samaritan woman could not refuse. Jesus gets to the heart of the matter –starts gently, moves slowly and compassionately to the grand finale. Before he was done, nearly the whole village would come and meet the Messiah – God’s anointed savior!
Imagine if you will that you loved grape juice. Imagine that you were driving through the vineyards of California – grape harbors as far as the eye could see. Imagine that you stopped in a restaurant for breakfast and ordered pancakes and grape juice. “I’m sorry,” the waitress says. “I can’t bring you any grape juice. Our juice machine is broken.” You once again notice that there grape harbors everywhere around. You knew that there were grapes in the kitchen. The problem - no juice! No way! You are surrounded by thousands of gallons of juice. The problem is that the restaurant had become dependent on a machine to make it.
Sometimes Christians are like that. They may be surrounded by Bibles in their homes, but if something should happen to the church, they would not be spiritually fed. The problem is not the lack of spiritual food. The problem is that many Christians have not grown to the point to where they know how to feed themselves.
So how do we get spiritual nourishment for ourselves? You have to do 5 things:
1. You have got to plan to feed yourself.
I bought a used Lincoln town car a few years back. It was a great car – the smoothest ride of any vehicle that I had ever owned. I had a problem with it for a while. I had to unhook the battery cable to get the car to stop running. I think that I had a problem with my fuel injector switch. Sometimes I would forget to reattach the cable before restarting it. I had all that power under the hood, but a loose connection kept me from putting that power to work! Sometimes that is a good description of our Christian walk – all that power of God available, but our connection to God is too lose. We must connect to both devotion and prayer. Let me stress that we need both! Some Christians neglect the Word and seek only a prayer life. The problem is, without reading the word, there is often little to form and shape their prayers. Often such a Christian will drift into error.
Other Christians boast extensive knowledge of the Bible, but they are bone dry. They bring no refreshment through an active prayer life. Strong spiritual lives require both a strong knowledge of the Word of God and an intimate daily relationship with Christ through prayer. And you must balance knowledge with humility. There is little worse than someone who thinks they know everything!
2. You need to have a few simple resources. You need a good Bible translation that is easy for you to understand. You need a pattern for prayer. There are several ones available. I use ACTS: Adore God, confess my sins, Give God thanks and share my supplications (requests).
Another one that I use from time to time is the Fiver-Finger Prayer. Fold your hands as if you were going to pray. Watch how our own hands remind us what to pray for. Your closest finger is your thumb. This stands for those who are closest to you – your spouse, kids, parents, siblings, grandparents, dear friends, etc. Your next finger is your index finger. It is the pointing finger and stands for those who are teachers-school, Sunday school, and preachers. Your middle finger is the tallest finger and stands for those who are in authority-president, governor, mayor, congress and the senate, as well as police officers (you will see the names of two police officers on our prayer list). The fourth finger is the weakest finger. Ask any pianist. It stands for those who are sick or hurting. The last finger is the smallest finger and reminds us that we should pray for ourselves. It, being last and the smallest reminds us that we should not think too highly of ourselves. That is why we pray for the other needs first. But, realize, that we should pray for ourselves. Jesus did (see John 17).
3. You have got to have accountability – a mentor, an accountability group, a partner to encourage you and to support you. Remember, there is no sudden triumph to spiritual maturity. It comes little by little – baby-step by baby-step.
The Greeks had a race in their Olympic games that was unique. The winner was not the runner who finished first. It was the runner who finished with his torch still lit. The winner of the Christian race is the one who endures, not the one who is the quickest or the best.
James wrote, (James 1:12) “Blessed is the one who perseveres…because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
February 17, 2008 - Prayer
Scripture: Matthew 4:12-23
Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
"Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles--the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned."
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
Theme: Balance: there is a time to stop, and there is a time to go.
Title: Red Light – Green Light
Notes: Red Light – Green Light Game, Traffic Light Video, VIP – “How You Live”
One pastor shared some of the letters that he received from some of the children in his flock:
Dear Pastor, Please pray for all the airline pilots. I am flying to California tomorrow. Laurie. (Age 10, New York City)
Dear Pastor, Do I have to say grace before every meal? Even when I am only having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Wesley. (Age 9, Baltimore)
Dear Pastor, Thank you for your sermon on Sunday. I will write more when my mother explains to me what you said. Yours truly, Justin. (Age 9, Westport)
Dear Pastor, 1980 by Bill Adler Books, Inc.
Sometimes it’s not just the kids who have a hard time understanding the preacher. Today’s sermon should be a little easier to digest. It only has two points: Stopping and Going.
We find Jesus withdrawing when he heard about the arrest of his cousin John. Then we see Jesus going – preaching, choosing disciples, curing. There is a time to stop and a time to go. A time for Red Light – Green Light! Jesus knew the difference and the importance of each!
C. S. Lewis wrote, “The moment you wake up each morning, all your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning (should) consist(s) in shoving it all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.”
[John Bunyan shared, “He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day.”]
Martin Luther, the great reformer and founder of the Lutheran Church, indicated this: “If I should neglect prayer but a single day, I should lose a great deal of the fire of faith.
[While very ill, Pastor John Knox, the founder of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland, called to his wife and said, "Read me that Scripture where I first cast my anchor." After he listened to the beautiful prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17, he seemed to forget his weakness. He began to pray, interceding earnestly for his fellowmen. He prayed for the ungodly who had thus far rejected the gospel. He pleaded in behalf of people who had been recently converted. And he requested protection for the Lord's servants, many of whom were facing persecution. As Knox prayed, his spirit went Home to be with the Lord. The man of whom Queen Mary had said, "I fear his prayers more than I do the armies of my enemies," ministered through prayer until the moment of his death. (Our Daily Bread.)]
EM Bounds wrote a great book on prayer. He mentioned this: “What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more novel methods, but men [people] whom the Holy Ghost can use—men [people] of prayer, men [people] mighty in prayer.”
Five young college students were spending a Sunday in London, so they went to hear the famed C.H. Spurgeon preach. While waiting for the doors to open, the students were greeted by a man who asked, "Gentlemen, let me show you around. Would you like to see the heating plant of this church?" They were not particularly interested, for it was a hot day in July. But they didn't want to offend the stranger, so they consented. The young men were taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their guide whispered, "This is our heating plant." Surprised, the students saw 700 people bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service that was soon to begin in the auditorium above. Softly closing the door, the gentleman then introduced himself. It was none other than Charles Spurgeon. (Our Daily Bread).
Our vision – our hope – is to make Jesus Christ real and relevant in our neighborhood and beyond. It does not happen unless we pray, pray hard, pray long, pray with belief!
James wrote: “But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind;” (James 1:6 NRSV).
About a month ago we collected 405 names to pray for – people who were unchurched and/or unsaved. These folks are precious before the Lord. I am going to place these 9 pages on the altar today. Let’s dedicate them, and really begin to pray for them. Two-hundred seventy of the names can be shared; the remaining names are confidential. We will begin to circulate the non-confidential names soon. Our dear ones, our family, friends and co-workers “may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments and even despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers” (Sidlow Baxter).
It comes down to not only belief but also perseverance: Eighteen-year-old Hudson Taylor wandered into his father's library and read a gospel tract. He couldn't shake off its message. Finally, falling to his knees, he accepted Christ as his Savior. Later, his mother, who had been away, returned home. When Hudson told her the good news, she said, "I already know. Ten days ago, the very date on which you tell me you read that tract, I spent the entire afternoon in prayer for you until the Lord assured me that my wayward son had been brought into the fold." (Daily Bread, July 19, 1989.)
We tend to get it backwards: go then pray. An especially verbal and boisterous child was being hurried out of a Kentucky church, slung under his irate father's arm. No one in the congregation so much as raised an eyebrow -- until the child captured everyone's attention by crying out in a charming Southern accent, "Ya'll pray for me now!" (Jean McMahon (Dyer, Ind.) in Reader's Digest, April 1980).
There is so much action, followed by a prayer for direction. It must be the other way around. We must stop and pray, then we are ready to go!
Let me give you an example of the affect of stopping first. Things looked bleak for the children of George Muller's orphanage at Ashley Downs in England. It was time for breakfast, and there was no food. A small girl whose father was a close friend of Muller was visiting in the home. Muller took her hand and said, "Come and see what our Father will do." In the dining room, long tables were set with empty plates and empty mugs. Not only was there no food in the kitchen, but there was no money in the home's account. Muller prayed, "Dear Father, we thank Thee for what Thou art going to give us to eat." Immediately, they heard a knock at the door. When they opened it, there stood the local baker. "Mr. Muller," he said, "I couldn't sleep last night. Somehow I felt you had no bread for breakfast, so I got up at 2 o'clock and baked fresh bread. Here it is." Muller thanked him and gave praise to God. Soon, a second knock was heard. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down in front of the orphanage. He said he would like to give the children the milk so he could empty the cart and repair it. (Source Unknown.).
When asked how much time he spent in prayer, George Muller's reply was, "Hours every day. But I live in the spirit of prayer. I pray as I walk and when I lie down and when I arise. And the answers are always coming." (Source Unknown.) More things happen because of prayer than we could possibly imagine!
Let’s be certain, though, that we understand that prayer is not about what we get nor even primarily what we need. As EM Bounds wrote, “The central significance of prayer is not in the things that happen as results, but in the deepening intimacy and unhurried communion with God at His central throne of control…” (E.M. Bounds, The Weapon Of Prayer.)
I read one of the best books I have ever read on prayer a few years ago. It still influences me toay. The book was by Bill Hybels, entitled Too Busy Not to Pray. Let’s remember this advice as I close:
If the request is wrong, God says, "No."
If the timing is wrong, God says, "Slow."
If you are wrong, God says, "Grow."
But if the request is right, the timing is right and you are right, God says, "Go!" (Bill Hybels, Too Busy Not To Pray, IVP, p. 74.)
Jesus knew the power of stopping – of communing with God. Look what it produced! He embarked on the greatest career ever known to humanity. All that was accomplished was fueled by the persistence and power of prayer. Stop a lot, then go believing that God is with you!
When Robert Louis Stevenson was a boy he once remarked to his mother, "Momma, you can't be good without praying." "How do you know, Robert?" she asked. "Because I've tried!" he answered (Our Daily Bread). Prayer forms us. It unleashes the goodness of God in us and helps us to be what God intended for us to be.
The little girl who asked for prayer for the pilots before she flew had it right. Pray before you go!
A little boy had been sent to his room because he had been bad. A short time later he came out and said to his mother, "I've been thinking about what I did and I said a prayer." "That's fine," she said, "if you ask God to make you good, He will help you." "Oh, I didn't ask Him to help me be good," replied the boy. "I asked Him to help you put up with me." (Our Daily Bread).
Smart little boy - some might say smart allec! I want to turn this incident around for a second. Do you think that God has a lot to put up with when it comes to us? As a whole, humanity has a lot of issues. But don’t forget that God loves us with a divine love – a love that goes far beyond our ability to love. So,
When we pray, remember this advice from Professor William Barclay:
1. The love of God that wants the best for us.
2. The wisdom of God that knows what is best for us.
3. The power of God that can accomplish it. (William Barclay, Prodigals and Those Who Love. )
Scripture: Matthew 4:12-23
Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
"Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles--the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned."
From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
Theme: Balance: there is a time to stop, and there is a time to go.
Title: Red Light – Green Light
Notes: Red Light – Green Light Game, Traffic Light Video, VIP – “How You Live”
One pastor shared some of the letters that he received from some of the children in his flock:
Dear Pastor, Please pray for all the airline pilots. I am flying to California tomorrow. Laurie. (Age 10, New York City)
Dear Pastor, Do I have to say grace before every meal? Even when I am only having a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Wesley. (Age 9, Baltimore)
Dear Pastor, Thank you for your sermon on Sunday. I will write more when my mother explains to me what you said. Yours truly, Justin. (Age 9, Westport)
Dear Pastor, 1980 by Bill Adler Books, Inc.
Sometimes it’s not just the kids who have a hard time understanding the preacher. Today’s sermon should be a little easier to digest. It only has two points: Stopping and Going.
We find Jesus withdrawing when he heard about the arrest of his cousin John. Then we see Jesus going – preaching, choosing disciples, curing. There is a time to stop and a time to go. A time for Red Light – Green Light! Jesus knew the difference and the importance of each!
C. S. Lewis wrote, “The moment you wake up each morning, all your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning (should) consist(s) in shoving it all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other, larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in.”
[John Bunyan shared, “He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day.”]
Martin Luther, the great reformer and founder of the Lutheran Church, indicated this: “If I should neglect prayer but a single day, I should lose a great deal of the fire of faith.
[While very ill, Pastor John Knox, the founder of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland, called to his wife and said, "Read me that Scripture where I first cast my anchor." After he listened to the beautiful prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17, he seemed to forget his weakness. He began to pray, interceding earnestly for his fellowmen. He prayed for the ungodly who had thus far rejected the gospel. He pleaded in behalf of people who had been recently converted. And he requested protection for the Lord's servants, many of whom were facing persecution. As Knox prayed, his spirit went Home to be with the Lord. The man of whom Queen Mary had said, "I fear his prayers more than I do the armies of my enemies," ministered through prayer until the moment of his death. (Our Daily Bread.)]
EM Bounds wrote a great book on prayer. He mentioned this: “What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more novel methods, but men [people] whom the Holy Ghost can use—men [people] of prayer, men [people] mighty in prayer.”
Five young college students were spending a Sunday in London, so they went to hear the famed C.H. Spurgeon preach. While waiting for the doors to open, the students were greeted by a man who asked, "Gentlemen, let me show you around. Would you like to see the heating plant of this church?" They were not particularly interested, for it was a hot day in July. But they didn't want to offend the stranger, so they consented. The young men were taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their guide whispered, "This is our heating plant." Surprised, the students saw 700 people bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service that was soon to begin in the auditorium above. Softly closing the door, the gentleman then introduced himself. It was none other than Charles Spurgeon. (Our Daily Bread).
Our vision – our hope – is to make Jesus Christ real and relevant in our neighborhood and beyond. It does not happen unless we pray, pray hard, pray long, pray with belief!
James wrote: “But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind;” (James 1:6 NRSV).
About a month ago we collected 405 names to pray for – people who were unchurched and/or unsaved. These folks are precious before the Lord. I am going to place these 9 pages on the altar today. Let’s dedicate them, and really begin to pray for them. Two-hundred seventy of the names can be shared; the remaining names are confidential. We will begin to circulate the non-confidential names soon. Our dear ones, our family, friends and co-workers “may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments and even despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers” (Sidlow Baxter).
It comes down to not only belief but also perseverance: Eighteen-year-old Hudson Taylor wandered into his father's library and read a gospel tract. He couldn't shake off its message. Finally, falling to his knees, he accepted Christ as his Savior. Later, his mother, who had been away, returned home. When Hudson told her the good news, she said, "I already know. Ten days ago, the very date on which you tell me you read that tract, I spent the entire afternoon in prayer for you until the Lord assured me that my wayward son had been brought into the fold." (Daily Bread, July 19, 1989.)
We tend to get it backwards: go then pray. An especially verbal and boisterous child was being hurried out of a Kentucky church, slung under his irate father's arm. No one in the congregation so much as raised an eyebrow -- until the child captured everyone's attention by crying out in a charming Southern accent, "Ya'll pray for me now!" (Jean McMahon (Dyer, Ind.) in Reader's Digest, April 1980).
There is so much action, followed by a prayer for direction. It must be the other way around. We must stop and pray, then we are ready to go!
Let me give you an example of the affect of stopping first. Things looked bleak for the children of George Muller's orphanage at Ashley Downs in England. It was time for breakfast, and there was no food. A small girl whose father was a close friend of Muller was visiting in the home. Muller took her hand and said, "Come and see what our Father will do." In the dining room, long tables were set with empty plates and empty mugs. Not only was there no food in the kitchen, but there was no money in the home's account. Muller prayed, "Dear Father, we thank Thee for what Thou art going to give us to eat." Immediately, they heard a knock at the door. When they opened it, there stood the local baker. "Mr. Muller," he said, "I couldn't sleep last night. Somehow I felt you had no bread for breakfast, so I got up at 2 o'clock and baked fresh bread. Here it is." Muller thanked him and gave praise to God. Soon, a second knock was heard. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down in front of the orphanage. He said he would like to give the children the milk so he could empty the cart and repair it. (Source Unknown.).
When asked how much time he spent in prayer, George Muller's reply was, "Hours every day. But I live in the spirit of prayer. I pray as I walk and when I lie down and when I arise. And the answers are always coming." (Source Unknown.) More things happen because of prayer than we could possibly imagine!
Let’s be certain, though, that we understand that prayer is not about what we get nor even primarily what we need. As EM Bounds wrote, “The central significance of prayer is not in the things that happen as results, but in the deepening intimacy and unhurried communion with God at His central throne of control…” (E.M. Bounds, The Weapon Of Prayer.)
I read one of the best books I have ever read on prayer a few years ago. It still influences me toay. The book was by Bill Hybels, entitled Too Busy Not to Pray. Let’s remember this advice as I close:
If the request is wrong, God says, "No."
If the timing is wrong, God says, "Slow."
If you are wrong, God says, "Grow."
But if the request is right, the timing is right and you are right, God says, "Go!" (Bill Hybels, Too Busy Not To Pray, IVP, p. 74.)
Jesus knew the power of stopping – of communing with God. Look what it produced! He embarked on the greatest career ever known to humanity. All that was accomplished was fueled by the persistence and power of prayer. Stop a lot, then go believing that God is with you!
When Robert Louis Stevenson was a boy he once remarked to his mother, "Momma, you can't be good without praying." "How do you know, Robert?" she asked. "Because I've tried!" he answered (Our Daily Bread). Prayer forms us. It unleashes the goodness of God in us and helps us to be what God intended for us to be.
The little girl who asked for prayer for the pilots before she flew had it right. Pray before you go!
A little boy had been sent to his room because he had been bad. A short time later he came out and said to his mother, "I've been thinking about what I did and I said a prayer." "That's fine," she said, "if you ask God to make you good, He will help you." "Oh, I didn't ask Him to help me be good," replied the boy. "I asked Him to help you put up with me." (Our Daily Bread).
Smart little boy - some might say smart allec! I want to turn this incident around for a second. Do you think that God has a lot to put up with when it comes to us? As a whole, humanity has a lot of issues. But don’t forget that God loves us with a divine love – a love that goes far beyond our ability to love. So,
When we pray, remember this advice from Professor William Barclay:
1. The love of God that wants the best for us.
2. The wisdom of God that knows what is best for us.
3. The power of God that can accomplish it. (William Barclay, Prodigals and Those Who Love. )
Monday, February 11, 2008
February 10, 2008 -- "Temptation"
Scripture: Mat 4:1- 11 NRSV
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished.
The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."
But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'"
Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me."
Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'"
Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
THE SHORT ROAD HOME
First Service Introduction:
[The top three answers given by elementary age kids to the following question: What did mom need to know before she married dad?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook or something like a bank robber?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say No to drugs and Yes to chores?
Now, I’m not sure that most marriages began with such an interrogation. Perhaps, but there could be some misconception here. Speaking of misconception, there are several misconceptions in regard to temptation:
Temptation itself is sin.
To be strongly tempted means we are as guilty as if we had actually committed sin.
When I am spiritually mature, I will no longer be harassed by temptation.
(Charles Stanley, tape AU146, In Touch, June 1988, p. 13. )]
Second Service Introduction:
[The top three answers given by elementary age kids to the following question: Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a whole lot.
2. Mom got to old to do anything else.
3. My grandma says that mom didn’t have her thinking cap on.
Now I think it is fair to say that those are some misunderstandings. Speaking of misunderstandings, there are several misunderstandings in regards to temptation:
Temptation itself is sin.
To be strongly tempted means we are as guilty as if we had actually committed sin.
When I am spiritually mature, I will no longer be harassed by temptation.
(Charles Stanley, tape AU146, In Touch, June 1988, p. 13. )]
There were three temptations that Satan fired at Jesus:
1) “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” It sounds reasonable. But remember what Jesus was doing. He was fasting. He had fasted for 40 days and was famished. Satan tried to get him to break his fast by getting him to use his own powers on himself. He attacked Jesus with a purely human need – a valid need. Satan also attacked Jesus’ self-worth – “If you are the Son of God.” If you are going to claim to be His son, then prove it. Satan hit the ego.
Jesus responds with the word of God. Deuteronomy 8:3 – “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Jesus was saying, “Satan, I’m not depending on myself. I am depending on God. Even if his way is harder, it is better.”
2) Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'"
Satan doesn’t let up, he continues to try to place doubt in Jesus’ mind, to make him prove himself “IF…” Then he attacks Jesus with Jesus’ own weapon; he uses scripture – “…it is written…” He took Psalm 91:11-12 and twisted it to support his own evil suggestion.
The top of the temple was over 400 feet off the ground. If he would throw himself from it, say around the time of the morning sacrifice, hundreds of people would witness it. Sure they would follow such a person!
Jesus responds with scripture and untwists Satan’s scheme: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” To see how far one can push God and expect His rescue is not a wise way to live. God does expect us to take risks to be true to Him, but not to take risks to enlarge our own prestige. Besides, faith dependent on sights and wonders is not true faith.
3) Satan leaves his hardest punch for the last attempt. He took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me."
Satan was attempting to get Jesus to compromise. Jesus came to save all the kingdoms of the world. Satan told him that he would see that he got them if he would just worship Satan. No cross. No agony. You get what you came for. Say it and it will be yours!
The thing that makes people and rivers crooked is following the line of least resistance.
That is what Satan tried to get Jesus to do – the tried to get him to follow the line of least resistance. He tried to get him to take a short cut – to take the short road home instead of the long, hard road of the cross. Just think if Satan had got Jesus to not take up the cross! Beware of shortcuts. Beware of compromise. The line of least resistance is not always best.
Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" Jesus did not argue with Satan over whether or not the kingdoms were truly Satan’s to give. Jesus, who walked with God at creation, who participated in creating Lucifer, finally calls Lucifer what he is: Satan. That means adversary. He is adverse to all that God intends to do. Jesus knew that evil like this can not be defeated with compromise. He never compromised his message. He never compromised his faith. He never stooped to the level of the world. He lifted the world to his own level.
What else can we learn from this encounter? A few things.
Satan is real. He is powerful. God is more powerful. And Christ in us makes the difference.
But Satan will try again and again to get us to stumble. He will do it very often by attacking both our weaknesses (Jesus’ hunger) and our strengths (Jesus’ power). He will hit us with what he knows we struggle with. He will hit us at the level of our gifts and try to get us to use them for self instead of for God.
Next, we can not have the victory without being in the word. The Bible doesn’t scare the devil. The living word does.
Last, be careful where you go. On the TV show "Hee Haw," Doc Campbell is confronted by a patient who says he broke his arm in two places. The doc replies, "Well then, stay out of them places!"
He may have something there. We cannot regularly put ourselves in the face of temptation and not be affected. When faced with the problem of temptation, we need to take the good doctor's advice and "stay out of them places." Source Unknown.
The Bible says, “…make no provision for the flesh, to satisfy the lusts thereof.” The best way to avoid temptation is to stay away from places that really tempt you.
The great preacher Charles Spurgeon commented: Think about what settings you are in when you fall. Eliminate them. What people are you usually with? Avoid them.
There are two equally damning lies Satan wants us to believe:
1) Just once won’t hurt.
2) Now that you have ruined your life, you are beyond God’s use, and might as well enjoy sinning.
It was Ben Franklin who said: “It is easier to suppress the first desire than to satisfy all that follow it.”
Should you fall, Christ will restore your sincere heart. And He can help you overcome temptation. He understands. He has been there. And he lives forevermore to walk with us and help us along this journey. Praise be to God.
Scripture: Mat 4:1- 11 NRSV
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished.
The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."
But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'"
Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me."
Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'"
Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
THE SHORT ROAD HOME
First Service Introduction:
[The top three answers given by elementary age kids to the following question: What did mom need to know before she married dad?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook or something like a bank robber?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say No to drugs and Yes to chores?
Now, I’m not sure that most marriages began with such an interrogation. Perhaps, but there could be some misconception here. Speaking of misconception, there are several misconceptions in regard to temptation:
Temptation itself is sin.
To be strongly tempted means we are as guilty as if we had actually committed sin.
When I am spiritually mature, I will no longer be harassed by temptation.
(Charles Stanley, tape AU146, In Touch, June 1988, p. 13. )]
Second Service Introduction:
[The top three answers given by elementary age kids to the following question: Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mom eats a whole lot.
2. Mom got to old to do anything else.
3. My grandma says that mom didn’t have her thinking cap on.
Now I think it is fair to say that those are some misunderstandings. Speaking of misunderstandings, there are several misunderstandings in regards to temptation:
Temptation itself is sin.
To be strongly tempted means we are as guilty as if we had actually committed sin.
When I am spiritually mature, I will no longer be harassed by temptation.
(Charles Stanley, tape AU146, In Touch, June 1988, p. 13. )]
There were three temptations that Satan fired at Jesus:
1) “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” It sounds reasonable. But remember what Jesus was doing. He was fasting. He had fasted for 40 days and was famished. Satan tried to get him to break his fast by getting him to use his own powers on himself. He attacked Jesus with a purely human need – a valid need. Satan also attacked Jesus’ self-worth – “If you are the Son of God.” If you are going to claim to be His son, then prove it. Satan hit the ego.
Jesus responds with the word of God. Deuteronomy 8:3 – “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Jesus was saying, “Satan, I’m not depending on myself. I am depending on God. Even if his way is harder, it is better.”
2) Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.'"
Satan doesn’t let up, he continues to try to place doubt in Jesus’ mind, to make him prove himself “IF…” Then he attacks Jesus with Jesus’ own weapon; he uses scripture – “…it is written…” He took Psalm 91:11-12 and twisted it to support his own evil suggestion.
The top of the temple was over 400 feet off the ground. If he would throw himself from it, say around the time of the morning sacrifice, hundreds of people would witness it. Sure they would follow such a person!
Jesus responds with scripture and untwists Satan’s scheme: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” To see how far one can push God and expect His rescue is not a wise way to live. God does expect us to take risks to be true to Him, but not to take risks to enlarge our own prestige. Besides, faith dependent on sights and wonders is not true faith.
3) Satan leaves his hardest punch for the last attempt. He took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me."
Satan was attempting to get Jesus to compromise. Jesus came to save all the kingdoms of the world. Satan told him that he would see that he got them if he would just worship Satan. No cross. No agony. You get what you came for. Say it and it will be yours!
The thing that makes people and rivers crooked is following the line of least resistance.
That is what Satan tried to get Jesus to do – the tried to get him to follow the line of least resistance. He tried to get him to take a short cut – to take the short road home instead of the long, hard road of the cross. Just think if Satan had got Jesus to not take up the cross! Beware of shortcuts. Beware of compromise. The line of least resistance is not always best.
Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" Jesus did not argue with Satan over whether or not the kingdoms were truly Satan’s to give. Jesus, who walked with God at creation, who participated in creating Lucifer, finally calls Lucifer what he is: Satan. That means adversary. He is adverse to all that God intends to do. Jesus knew that evil like this can not be defeated with compromise. He never compromised his message. He never compromised his faith. He never stooped to the level of the world. He lifted the world to his own level.
What else can we learn from this encounter? A few things.
Satan is real. He is powerful. God is more powerful. And Christ in us makes the difference.
But Satan will try again and again to get us to stumble. He will do it very often by attacking both our weaknesses (Jesus’ hunger) and our strengths (Jesus’ power). He will hit us with what he knows we struggle with. He will hit us at the level of our gifts and try to get us to use them for self instead of for God.
Next, we can not have the victory without being in the word. The Bible doesn’t scare the devil. The living word does.
Last, be careful where you go. On the TV show "Hee Haw," Doc Campbell is confronted by a patient who says he broke his arm in two places. The doc replies, "Well then, stay out of them places!"
He may have something there. We cannot regularly put ourselves in the face of temptation and not be affected. When faced with the problem of temptation, we need to take the good doctor's advice and "stay out of them places." Source Unknown.
The Bible says, “…make no provision for the flesh, to satisfy the lusts thereof.” The best way to avoid temptation is to stay away from places that really tempt you.
The great preacher Charles Spurgeon commented: Think about what settings you are in when you fall. Eliminate them. What people are you usually with? Avoid them.
There are two equally damning lies Satan wants us to believe:
1) Just once won’t hurt.
2) Now that you have ruined your life, you are beyond God’s use, and might as well enjoy sinning.
It was Ben Franklin who said: “It is easier to suppress the first desire than to satisfy all that follow it.”
Should you fall, Christ will restore your sincere heart. And He can help you overcome temptation. He understands. He has been there. And he lives forevermore to walk with us and help us along this journey. Praise be to God.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
February 3, 2008 -- "God's Love"
It was a mountain one-room school house where severe discipline was used to keep the rowdyism of uninterested pupils in check. The noon recess was ended and the teacher was interrogating the class with regard to the disappearance of Sally’s lunch. After a few minutes of verbal threats and demands, a sob was heard. It was little Billy, a thin, undernourished child. His family was the poorest of the poor.
“Did you take Sally’s lunch?” demanded the teacher. “Yes sir,” mumbled Billy through his tears. “I was hungry.”
“Nevertheless, you did wrong to steal and you must be punished,” declared the teacher.
“As the teacher removed the leather strap from its place on the wall, Billy was ordered to the front of the room and told to remove his shirt. The arm of the teacher was raised over the bent and trembling form of little Billy.
“Hold it, teacher!” shouted a husky voice from the rear of the room. It was Big Jim, striding down the aisle removing his shirt as he came. “Let me take his whipp’n,” he begged.
The teacher was aghast, but knowing that justice must be demonstrated, he consented and laid the belt to the back of Big Jim with such force that even the stronger boy winced. But Billy never forgot the day that Big Jim took his place. (James S. Hewett)
The story of what Big Jim did for Billy is what Christ did for us. He took our place. You see, we are God’s children – all of us. But because of sin – the bad things that people do – we are separated from our heavenly Father. So, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for sin. That is why he died on the cross. He died to reclaim humanity. If any one then believes in Jesus and what he did, he will be saved.
Mike Nardella did a wonderful thing. He saved a picture. He found what I am about to show you in a garbage can in the kitchen of the Multi-ministries building. Someone had trashed it. It was wrinkled in the process. Mike reclaimed it, had it matted and framed at Crim’s, and brought it to church. He asked me to take a look at it to see if we could hang it here. As soon as I saw it, I recognized the picture. It was taken by a student at Alderson Broaddus College where it hangs as a large portrait in the practice room beneath the Chapel. I had tried to duplicate the picture years ago and failed. Mike, through his act of kindness, rescued the portrait. Here it is.
It is the most unique picture: Christ looking through the pain of the nails toward those he loves. He took the nails, the thorns, and whippings, and even the spear, just because he loves us this much.
Faith and I used to play a little game when she was real small. I would say to her, “I love you this much (put hands together just a little bit). She would look sad. Then I increased the distance between my hands, and I would say it again, “I love you this much.” Then she would get the tinniest of smiles. Then I would increase the distance between may hands again and again until they were stretched all the way out: “I love you this much!” And then she would smile from ear to ear and say, “Yeahhh.” Jesus did the same for us. He should his love by stretching out his hands on the cross and loving us this much!
A friend visited an elderly woman badly crippled by arthritis. When asked, “Do you suffer much?” she replied, “Yes, but there is no nail here,” and she pointed to her hand. “He had the nails; I have the peace.” She pointed to her head. “There are no thorns here. He had the thorns; I have the peace.” She touched her side. “There is no spear here. He had the spear; I have the peace.” That is what the atonement of Jesus Christ means for us – He gave of himself so that we might have the peace. (Ralph Turnbull, If Only I Had One Sermon to Preach.) That is what salvation does. Salvation gives peace. And God continues to give peace through Christ. And God also continues to reclaim us, even from the garbage heaps of life.
Last week one of our parishoners said to me that it would be a good idea to tell folks how to make sure they are saved – in a real simple way – because there may be some present who think that they are saved but they really aren’t. What a good idea. Here is a real simple way to make sure you are saved. You just need to know 4 or 5 things:
1. Realize that God sent His Son for you: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
2. Know that everyone sins and sins separate us from God: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
3. Realize that we must turn away from sin: “Unless we repent, we will die” (Luke 13:3).
4. Realize that Jesus makes a way for us to get to heaven: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6).
5. Believe in Jesus: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
If you understand these 5 things and wish to make Christ your savior, pray silently with me:
Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ, Your Son, died on the cross for my sin and rose from the dead to be my Lord. God, I now repent of my sin and personally invite Jesus into my life. Thank You, Jesus, for giving me the free gift of eternal life. I promise to live for You as You reveal yourself to me through Your Word, the Bible. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
It was a mountain one-room school house where severe discipline was used to keep the rowdyism of uninterested pupils in check. The noon recess was ended and the teacher was interrogating the class with regard to the disappearance of Sally’s lunch. After a few minutes of verbal threats and demands, a sob was heard. It was little Billy, a thin, undernourished child. His family was the poorest of the poor.
“Did you take Sally’s lunch?” demanded the teacher. “Yes sir,” mumbled Billy through his tears. “I was hungry.”
“Nevertheless, you did wrong to steal and you must be punished,” declared the teacher.
“As the teacher removed the leather strap from its place on the wall, Billy was ordered to the front of the room and told to remove his shirt. The arm of the teacher was raised over the bent and trembling form of little Billy.
“Hold it, teacher!” shouted a husky voice from the rear of the room. It was Big Jim, striding down the aisle removing his shirt as he came. “Let me take his whipp’n,” he begged.
The teacher was aghast, but knowing that justice must be demonstrated, he consented and laid the belt to the back of Big Jim with such force that even the stronger boy winced. But Billy never forgot the day that Big Jim took his place. (James S. Hewett)
The story of what Big Jim did for Billy is what Christ did for us. He took our place. You see, we are God’s children – all of us. But because of sin – the bad things that people do – we are separated from our heavenly Father. So, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty for sin. That is why he died on the cross. He died to reclaim humanity. If any one then believes in Jesus and what he did, he will be saved.
Mike Nardella did a wonderful thing. He saved a picture. He found what I am about to show you in a garbage can in the kitchen of the Multi-ministries building. Someone had trashed it. It was wrinkled in the process. Mike reclaimed it, had it matted and framed at Crim’s, and brought it to church. He asked me to take a look at it to see if we could hang it here. As soon as I saw it, I recognized the picture. It was taken by a student at Alderson Broaddus College where it hangs as a large portrait in the practice room beneath the Chapel. I had tried to duplicate the picture years ago and failed. Mike, through his act of kindness, rescued the portrait. Here it is.
It is the most unique picture: Christ looking through the pain of the nails toward those he loves. He took the nails, the thorns, and whippings, and even the spear, just because he loves us this much.
Faith and I used to play a little game when she was real small. I would say to her, “I love you this much (put hands together just a little bit). She would look sad. Then I increased the distance between my hands, and I would say it again, “I love you this much.” Then she would get the tinniest of smiles. Then I would increase the distance between may hands again and again until they were stretched all the way out: “I love you this much!” And then she would smile from ear to ear and say, “Yeahhh.” Jesus did the same for us. He should his love by stretching out his hands on the cross and loving us this much!
A friend visited an elderly woman badly crippled by arthritis. When asked, “Do you suffer much?” she replied, “Yes, but there is no nail here,” and she pointed to her hand. “He had the nails; I have the peace.” She pointed to her head. “There are no thorns here. He had the thorns; I have the peace.” She touched her side. “There is no spear here. He had the spear; I have the peace.” That is what the atonement of Jesus Christ means for us – He gave of himself so that we might have the peace. (Ralph Turnbull, If Only I Had One Sermon to Preach.) That is what salvation does. Salvation gives peace. And God continues to give peace through Christ. And God also continues to reclaim us, even from the garbage heaps of life.
Last week one of our parishoners said to me that it would be a good idea to tell folks how to make sure they are saved – in a real simple way – because there may be some present who think that they are saved but they really aren’t. What a good idea. Here is a real simple way to make sure you are saved. You just need to know 4 or 5 things:
1. Realize that God sent His Son for you: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
2. Know that everyone sins and sins separate us from God: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
3. Realize that we must turn away from sin: “Unless we repent, we will die” (Luke 13:3).
4. Realize that Jesus makes a way for us to get to heaven: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6).
5. Believe in Jesus: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
If you understand these 5 things and wish to make Christ your savior, pray silently with me:
Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ, Your Son, died on the cross for my sin and rose from the dead to be my Lord. God, I now repent of my sin and personally invite Jesus into my life. Thank You, Jesus, for giving me the free gift of eternal life. I promise to live for You as You reveal yourself to me through Your Word, the Bible. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Friday, February 01, 2008
January 27, 2008 -- "Witnessing"
Scripture: (John 1:29 - 42 NRSV)
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel."
And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God."
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?"
He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).
COME AND SEE!
First service introduction:
[A pastor saw Robert Schuller’s TV program “Hour of Power.” One of the things that impressed him most was the practice of everyone turning around and shaking hands with and greeting the other worshipers seated nearby. The pastor felt that their church was a bit stuffy and could use a bit of friendliness. So, one Sunday he announced that the following Sunday they were going to initiate this custom.
At the close of this same service, a man turned around to the lady behind and said, “Good morning!” She looked at him with shock at his boldness and said, “I beg your pardon! That friendliness business doesn’t start until next Sunday.”
It was a good thing, but it was being forced upon her and she didn’t want to do it until it was official – if she would do it at all.
Something life changing was about to be forced upon John the Baptist, but he gladly accepted the change. He knew it was the will of God. John took a back seat Jesus.]
Second Service Introduction:
[A group of children were in the schoolyard bragging about their fathers. The first boy said, “My dad scribbled a few words on a piece of paper, called it a poem, and they gave him $50.
The second boy said, “That’s nothing. My dad scribbled a few words on a piece of paper, called it a song, and they gave him $100.”
The third boy said, “I got you both beat. My dad scribbled a few words on a piece of paper, called it a sermon, and it took 8 people to collect all the money!”
When John bragged about Jesus, it showed something of John that was quite extraordinary. John took a back seat to Jesus.]
John did not allow himself or his ministry to be threatened. He was not worried about his collection plates being less full. He understood that ministry is never about us, but about others. He saw his role as the one to prepare the way for Christ. In his own words, “I must become less; he must become more.” What a striking example of humility.
He lived out his word by pointing his own disciples to Jesus. The Baptist was also an evangelist. He could not resist pointing others to the best news ever delivered – Jesus Christ – even if it meant that his own disciples would leave him. Remarkable.
In Christian Theology in Plan Language, the following words appear:
It is easy to determine when something is aflame. It ignites other material. Any fire that does not spread will eventually go out. A church without evangelism is a contradiction in terms, just as a fire that does not burn is a contradiction.(p. 162.)
Evangelism must be part and parcel of our church life – and yes, our own lives.
Someone might ask us, “What Great thing do you know?” We just sang the hymn. When they ask, we who are indeed born again can tell of at least one great thing that God has done for us – even if it is only the fact that we have been saved by Him!
Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn't able to buy it. Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase that beautiful instrument. But to his great dismay it had been sold to a collector. Kreisler made his way to the new owner's home and offered to buy the violin. The collector said it had become his prized possession and he would not sell it. Keenly disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea. "Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?" he asked. Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector's emotions were deeply stirred. "I have no right to keep that to myself," he exclaimed. "It's yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it." We must take the music of God’s great love beyond these walls – to where we work, live, learn and play.
If we can’t tell them what God has done for us, then we can tell them to Come to church with us and see.” That is kind of what Andrew did. He heard the good news and rushed home to tell his brother Simon to come and see the one whom God had sent to save them. A lot of people are afraid to come to church on their own. So, when you invite someone, tell them that you will pick them up at 8:30 or 10:30 and that you would be happy to sit with them.
There is an indirect way to witness to people. You can use a tract. Simply purchase tracts about salvation from a Christian Bookstore and leave them in places where people gather. One that I do regularly is a “tip tract.” After dinner at a restaurant, I leave a little two sided card with the tip. On one side it says thanks for good service. On the other side, it lists 5 simple steps to accept Jesus. By the way, if you do this, don’t leave a chincy tip. Give at least a 20% tip – even more if you can. It shows you really do care!
If some reason we can not tell about the great thing that God has done, and if for some reason we can not invite someone to church, we can certainly pray for the salvation of others. We have a friend named Gary who last May put his brother on the list of names of the un-churched that we were collecting. This was for the conference prayer initiative. His brother was out of church completely and, as far as Gary knew, unsaved. This past September, Gary got a phone call from his brother. His brother called to tell him that he just got saved and hard started to church. The power of prayer is grossly underestimated.
Today we have an opportunity to pray likewise. The ushers will now distribute some cards. I would like you to list as many names as you would like – names of those who are un-churched and/or possibly unsaved. If you would like the name or names to be confidential, please indicate so. I will share those names with small prayer groups in our church. I think that this will be one of the most significant things that we do in the life of our church. Please take it seriously. God will work powerfully if we commit to pray.
Finally watch how you live! People are watching, and it will make a difference when it comes time to witness. A young salesman was disappointed about losing a big sale, and as he talked with his sales manager he lamented, "I guess it just proves you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink." The manager replied, "Son, take my advice: your job is not to make him drink. Your job is to make him thirsty." So it is with evangelism. Our lives should be so filled with Christ that they create a thirst for the Gospel. (Preaching, November-December 1985.)
A Count by the name of Zinzendorf founded an order called the Order of the Mustard Seed. It had 3 principles:
1. Be kind to all people.
2. Seek their welfare.
3. Win them to Christ.
The Bible says, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7 NIV). I can’t think of anything better!
Scripture: (John 1:29 - 42 NRSV)
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel."
And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God."
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?"
He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter).
COME AND SEE!
First service introduction:
[A pastor saw Robert Schuller’s TV program “Hour of Power.” One of the things that impressed him most was the practice of everyone turning around and shaking hands with and greeting the other worshipers seated nearby. The pastor felt that their church was a bit stuffy and could use a bit of friendliness. So, one Sunday he announced that the following Sunday they were going to initiate this custom.
At the close of this same service, a man turned around to the lady behind and said, “Good morning!” She looked at him with shock at his boldness and said, “I beg your pardon! That friendliness business doesn’t start until next Sunday.”
It was a good thing, but it was being forced upon her and she didn’t want to do it until it was official – if she would do it at all.
Something life changing was about to be forced upon John the Baptist, but he gladly accepted the change. He knew it was the will of God. John took a back seat Jesus.]
Second Service Introduction:
[A group of children were in the schoolyard bragging about their fathers. The first boy said, “My dad scribbled a few words on a piece of paper, called it a poem, and they gave him $50.
The second boy said, “That’s nothing. My dad scribbled a few words on a piece of paper, called it a song, and they gave him $100.”
The third boy said, “I got you both beat. My dad scribbled a few words on a piece of paper, called it a sermon, and it took 8 people to collect all the money!”
When John bragged about Jesus, it showed something of John that was quite extraordinary. John took a back seat to Jesus.]
John did not allow himself or his ministry to be threatened. He was not worried about his collection plates being less full. He understood that ministry is never about us, but about others. He saw his role as the one to prepare the way for Christ. In his own words, “I must become less; he must become more.” What a striking example of humility.
He lived out his word by pointing his own disciples to Jesus. The Baptist was also an evangelist. He could not resist pointing others to the best news ever delivered – Jesus Christ – even if it meant that his own disciples would leave him. Remarkable.
In Christian Theology in Plan Language, the following words appear:
It is easy to determine when something is aflame. It ignites other material. Any fire that does not spread will eventually go out. A church without evangelism is a contradiction in terms, just as a fire that does not burn is a contradiction.(p. 162.)
Evangelism must be part and parcel of our church life – and yes, our own lives.
Someone might ask us, “What Great thing do you know?” We just sang the hymn. When they ask, we who are indeed born again can tell of at least one great thing that God has done for us – even if it is only the fact that we have been saved by Him!
Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962), the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn't able to buy it. Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase that beautiful instrument. But to his great dismay it had been sold to a collector. Kreisler made his way to the new owner's home and offered to buy the violin. The collector said it had become his prized possession and he would not sell it. Keenly disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he had an idea. "Could I play the instrument once more before it is consigned to silence?" he asked. Permission was granted, and the great virtuoso filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector's emotions were deeply stirred. "I have no right to keep that to myself," he exclaimed. "It's yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it." We must take the music of God’s great love beyond these walls – to where we work, live, learn and play.
If we can’t tell them what God has done for us, then we can tell them to Come to church with us and see.” That is kind of what Andrew did. He heard the good news and rushed home to tell his brother Simon to come and see the one whom God had sent to save them. A lot of people are afraid to come to church on their own. So, when you invite someone, tell them that you will pick them up at 8:30 or 10:30 and that you would be happy to sit with them.
There is an indirect way to witness to people. You can use a tract. Simply purchase tracts about salvation from a Christian Bookstore and leave them in places where people gather. One that I do regularly is a “tip tract.” After dinner at a restaurant, I leave a little two sided card with the tip. On one side it says thanks for good service. On the other side, it lists 5 simple steps to accept Jesus. By the way, if you do this, don’t leave a chincy tip. Give at least a 20% tip – even more if you can. It shows you really do care!
If some reason we can not tell about the great thing that God has done, and if for some reason we can not invite someone to church, we can certainly pray for the salvation of others. We have a friend named Gary who last May put his brother on the list of names of the un-churched that we were collecting. This was for the conference prayer initiative. His brother was out of church completely and, as far as Gary knew, unsaved. This past September, Gary got a phone call from his brother. His brother called to tell him that he just got saved and hard started to church. The power of prayer is grossly underestimated.
Today we have an opportunity to pray likewise. The ushers will now distribute some cards. I would like you to list as many names as you would like – names of those who are un-churched and/or possibly unsaved. If you would like the name or names to be confidential, please indicate so. I will share those names with small prayer groups in our church. I think that this will be one of the most significant things that we do in the life of our church. Please take it seriously. God will work powerfully if we commit to pray.
Finally watch how you live! People are watching, and it will make a difference when it comes time to witness. A young salesman was disappointed about losing a big sale, and as he talked with his sales manager he lamented, "I guess it just proves you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink." The manager replied, "Son, take my advice: your job is not to make him drink. Your job is to make him thirsty." So it is with evangelism. Our lives should be so filled with Christ that they create a thirst for the Gospel. (Preaching, November-December 1985.)
A Count by the name of Zinzendorf founded an order called the Order of the Mustard Seed. It had 3 principles:
1. Be kind to all people.
2. Seek their welfare.
3. Win them to Christ.
The Bible says, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7 NIV). I can’t think of anything better!
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